El Río (Lugar del Río) combines a section of the GR-93 with the history of an ironworks and a landscape of former terraces and grazing land nearby. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between two route references: the 17-kilometer GR-93 stage between Ezcaray and San Millán de la Cogolla, and a route that starts in Lugar del Río and leads to Mostajo del río Cárdenas. There are also cultural sites within the municipality of San Millán de la Cogolla.
The GR-93 and Other Route Information
The 17-kilometer GR-93 stage connects Ezcaray and San Millán de la Cogolla, passing through Turza, Pazuengos, and Lugar del Río (El Río). The estimated duration for this stage is five hours. This time estimate applies to the route as a whole; check current trail conditions before setting out.
On the route from Lugar del Río to Mostajo del río Cárdenas, the Urre recreation area is 2,690 meters beyond La Eméndula. The five-hour stage duration should therefore be distinguished from the 2,690-meter figure: the first describes the duration of the GR-93 stage, while the second indicates where Urre is along the route.
Terraced Landscape and La Eméndula
Near Lugar del Río, the terraced fields have been abandoned and are covered with gorse. Livestock also uses the terraces as extensive grazing land. This is not simply a picture of fallow land: grazing, as well as the vegetation, is part of how these areas are used today.
The La Eméndula recreation area is beside the Río Cárdenas. It has riverside vegetation, Scots pines, oaks, and beeches. The described access route passes through San Millán de la Cogolla and Lugar del Río before reaching La Eméndula. Local conditions can change, so check access in advance. Unlike the terraced fields around Lugar del Río, this area is characterized by the riverside and woodland vegetation of the recreation area.
Industrial History and Cultural Sites
The Ferrería de Lugar del Río, also known as El Infierno, recalls iron production in the mid-19th century. At that time, iron was produced there using water, wood, and iron ore. The restoration repaired the structures and improved the surrounding area; the way the industrial complex worked is explained to local residents and visitors. Thus, the historical production process and the later restoration represent distinct stages in its history.
For orientation on the GR-93, the Ermita del Carmen in Lugar del Río is on the right side of the road. The 18th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is in the Barrio Lugar del Río, within the municipality of San Millán de la Cogolla. The Cueva del Santo in Lugar del Río is one of the selected stops on the municipality’s tourist route. If you plan to visit the cave, check access arrangements in advance.
For the broader travel overview: San Millán De La Cogolla.
